What the board must do to save themselves
14/12/04 | by Daniel Hawkins

Many Forest fans can be forgiven for having the odd moan or groan - the club could well accuse the faithful of being fickle at times. The current situation that surrounds the City Ground is an indicator that neither the club nor the manager can in any way direct criticism toward the fans. They have been there throughout this turbulent season, they have been lied to continually and have had to suffer the indignity of having a manager who has continued the crusade of making himself look the fool.

Joe Kinnear is a person who has the audacity to call the fans morons, yet refuses to talk to the press after a defeat, and leaves us with a field of broken promises and lies. Some might say cowardice, others plain stupidity, but calling the fans morons should be the final nail in his over-sized coffin. It would be alright if he could back up his arguments with results, but all he has to show is third from bottom of the Championship and almost certain relegation if this current form continues.

I wrote my last article asking for a bit of time for Harford's coaching methods to take shape. Now, while I continue to support Mick’s appointment, Kinnear has made his position untenable and should be removed immediately. Kinnear has brought this on himself – he can’t blame anyone other than himself for the failure to turn this team's fortunes around or shooting his mouth off at every given opportunity. Doughty should start showing some strength, admit mistakes have been made and try to repair some of the damage done. 

The board have been lucky. They should be thankful that this set of fans have taken the stick that has been duly dished out by the club in vast portions. Doughty should be thankful that protests are only just now being planned. Had he been chairman of Everton or Leeds he would have been hounded out years ago. The club must and should act now otherwise protests will only be the start. 

Club officials should also start taking notice of the fans as the plans of protest are very real, the anger is very real and, while this may seem a storm in a teacup to them and the blinded Kinnear, be prepared – this is the just the start. Protests will be the last thing the club will have to worry about. I would hate to see on match days 20,000 people lined up in the streets and car park having to be watched by the police, with the cost being met by the club. Of course these fans are not paying for tickets or entering the ground, they are just showing that they will not stand for this utter contempt towards them.

So what next? If Harford is to be appointed manager then, do it now, get him suitable back up, give him money to spend and clear out the deadwood in the club. If you don’t wish to give him money, at least give him some back up with decent coaches. Give the fans something to look forward to and maybe, you just might save your bacon this time.